Ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder-associated neuropathic pain: A case report

Abstract

Background: Neuropathic pain (NP) is one of the most prevalent and troublesome symptoms of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), seriously affecting the patient’s life. At present, effective treatment for NP induced by NMOSD does not exist. Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF), an emerging microinvasive therapy, alleviates pain and is widely used to treat various types of NP. This is the first report describing a patient with NMOSD-associated NP treated with PRF on the left cervical 6 nerve root. Methods: A 49-year-old female with NMOSD-associated severe NP in the left upper limb and left shoulder tried several medications, but none were effective. She was diagnosed with NP caused by NMOSD.To alleviate severe pain, we performed PRF on the left cervical nerve root under the guidance of ultrasound. This treatment was repeated 3 times. Results: The patient’s pain was significantly relieved, with a visual analog scale score decreasing from 7-8/10 to 2-3/10, which was maintained during the 3-month follow-up period, without complications. Conclusion: PRF might be effective for the management of intractable neuropathic pain caused by NMOSD.